Keeping Faith

Chapter Twenty-Four: Never Give Up

    Carlos headed toward Vince's office. Anthony might be right, maybe Vince didn't exist, but even if that were true then everything, they needed to bring this ring in would be in that office.

Bringing the leaders in was their first mission. It had always been the mission. David's disappearance hadn't changed that, it just increased the need to bring this drug ring to an end. It might be their only hope of getting David out alive now.

Risking a quick glance over his shoulder, Carlos turned the nob and pushed the large oak door open. He eased inside and let the door click shut behind him. What is that smell?

He drew his gun, aiming it at the back of the head peeking up from behind the office chair. Drawing closer he forced the chair to spin around.

Bloodshot, gazed eyes peered back at him. The cord wrapped around the victim's throat had severed his windpipe. Dried blood was incased around the cord. His lips swollen and blue. His face pale.

Darien had been dead for a while. But why? Did Sonny want to eliminate the other players or cause confusion? If it was the ladder, it was working.

Swallowing back his disgust, Carlos focused on the mission at hand. There was nothing he could do for Darien now, but he could for David. He was still out there, and Carlos couldn't shake the bad feeling in his stomach. The answer had to be in this room — and he was going to find it. Whatever it took.

A whimper followed by a persistent scratching at her front door managed to draw Faith back from her thoughts of David.

Max wanted out again. He could sense something was wrong. The K-9's ability to detect was strong. Not just with his work. He seemed to sense that David was in trouble and he kept running towards David's house any time the door was open. Undoubtedly, he thought David would be there.

Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to take him over to David's house for a while. Just to put him at ease. Familiar surroundings should do the trick. David had told her where to find his spare key before he left. Yes, it was for emergencies only...but she was sure he wouldn't mind.

Maybe it would put her mind at ease too. She could always swing by and pick up Teresa and let her play with Max. They would both enjoy that.

A quick phone call to Carol would confirm Teresa's excitement in the invitation. She needed to cope with David's absence too. This might be the therapy they all needed.

Twenty minutes later, with Teresa and Max in hand, Faith pulled into David's drive. Max immediately jumped out the open window and bolted for the door. Sniffing, whining and wagging his tail all at the same time.

The German Shepperd was more than happy to be home, but Faith knew his hopeful anticipation was focused more on the hope that David would be there. Teresa ran to him and began to try to comfort the canine, "It's okay, Max. We miss him too, but he's not in there. He'll be home soon." Faith sighed, she hoped that were true. Ignoring her claiming dementor, Max took off for the bedroom as soon as Faith unlocked the door.

Teresa ran after him, "Max! Slow down!" Faith followed after them. Max finally gave up the search for his friend and jumped up on the bed, laid down and wined. Faith wiped a tear from her eye before Teresa caught her. They both wrapped their arms around Max in a warm embrace. Teresa finally looked up and glanced around the room.

Faith studied her expression, "What? What is it Teresa?" She shook her head, "I don't know...I've been over here dozens of times with Anthony to visit David. But I've never seen his bedroom before. He's always kept it closed. Now I feel like I'm invading his privacy."

Faith nodded, "I understand...but if it makes you feel any better, I don't think he would mind under the circumstances." Faith hoped that were true. In the time she had known him she had only been in his home once and that was when they were headed to a Christmas party and he forgot his Secret Santa gift at home. It had been a very quick in and out visit so she had no time to get an opinion on his housekeeping skills.

Teresa smiled and gestured to his nightstand, "Aww, look —." There sitting beside his Bible was a framed photograph. It was the first picture they had ever taken together at Jonathan and Sharla's wedding. Tucked into the corner of the frame was a small handwritten note. She guessed it was to remind him of something, but upon closer inspection what was written surprised her and touched her heart:

Never give up!

She smiled. He had never given up on her, so she wouldn't give up on him. Not now, not ever.